Identification token and method of making identification token

ABSTRACT

In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes enabling operation of an RFID integrated circuit of a first card in an identification token using a first switch; and enabling operation of an RFID integrated circuit of a second card in an identification token using a second switch. In accordance with some embodiments, an identification token includes: a first card including an RFID integrated circuit; a second card including an RFID integrated circuit; a first switch to enable operation of the RFID integrated circuit of the first card; and a second switch to enable operation of the RFID integrated circuit of the second card.

BACKGROUND

Proximity payment cards are in widespread use. A well known standard forsuch cards has been promulgated by MasterCard InternationalIncorporated, the assignee hereof, and is referred to as “PayPass”.Proximity payment cards typically include a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) integrated circuit (IC) embedded in a card-shapedplastic body. An antenna is also embedded in the card body. The antennaallows the card to receive a power signal from a point of sale terminal.The antenna is also used by the RFID IC to transmit the payment cardaccount number, and possibly other information as well, to the POSterminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a structure that includes a small IC card blankand a larger carrier for the small IC card blank, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 1 as the small ICcard is being detached from the carrier

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of the carrier after the small ICcard has been removed therefrom.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the small IC card after it has been removedfrom the carrier.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a portion of a proximity paymentdevice, in accordance with some embodiments, prior to installing thesmall IC card therein.

FIGS. 6A-6D show a method for fabricating the card blank and carrier ofFIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a proximity payment device, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a portion of the proximity paymentdevice of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments, with a case in an openstate.

FIG. 7C is a partially exploded perspective view of the proximitypayment device of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments, with the casein an open state and the small IC card uninstalled.

FIG. 7D is a schematic plan view of a portion of the proximity paymentdevice of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments, with the case removedand the small IC card uninstalled.

FIG. 7E is a schematic plan view of a portion of the proximity paymentdevice of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments, with the case removedand the small IC card uninstalled.

FIG. 7F is a schematic plan view of a portion of the proximity paymentdevice of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments, with the case removedand the small IC card uninstalled.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a portion of a proximity paymentdevice, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a portion of the proximity paymentdevice of FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments, with a case in an openstate and two small IC cards uninstalled.

FIG. 8C is a schematic plan view of a portion of the proximity paymentdevice of FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments, with the case removedand the two small IC cards uninstalled.

FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a portion of a proximity paymentdevice, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8E is a schematic cross sectional view of a portion of a proximitypayment device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8F is a schematic cross sectional view of a portion of a proximitypayment device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a proximity payment device, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a proximity payment device, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 11A is a plan view of a structure that includes a small IC cardblank and a larger carrier for the small IC card blank, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 11A as the smallIC card is being detached from the carrier.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a structure that includes a small IC cardblank and a larger carrier for the small IC card blank, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a structure that includes a small IC cardblank and a larger carrier for the small IC card blank, in accordancewith some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, a wristwatch 702 and/or other type of proximitypayment device 502 may be the same as and/or similar to one or moreembodiments of a wristwatch 702 and/or other type of proximity paymentdevice disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/852,739,entitled “IDENTIFICATION TOKEN AND METHOD OF MAKING IDENTIFICATIONTOKEN”, filed in the name of Simon Phillips on even date herewith, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a structure 200, according to some embodiments,which includes a card carrier, indicated by reference numeral 202, and asmall IC card blank indicated by reference numeral 204. The carrier 202may be generally card-shaped and may have dimensions as defined for thestandard card referred to as “ID1” in ISO/IEC standard 7810, promulgatedby the International Standardization Organization and other bodies. Thesmall IC card 204 may have dimensions as defined for the standardcard/module referred to as “ID0000” in the same document no. 7810. Thesmall IC card 204 may be substantially defined within the body of thecarrier 202 by substantial or nearly complete punching or scoring of thebody of the carrier 202, which punching or scoring is indicated at 206.The carrier 202 includes an antenna 208 embedded therein.

In some embodiments, the antenna 208 may take the form of one, two orseveral loops that run along one or more portions of the periphery ofthe carrier 202. Alternatively, the antenna 208 may be of a differenttype and/or configuration. The antenna may be operative generally inaccordance with the above-mentioned PayPass standard to receiveinterrogation and power signals (which may be the same signal) from aproximity coupling device of a POS terminal and to transmit payment cardaccount number information and/or other information to the proximitycoupling device.

The small IC card 204 includes an IC indicated at 210, on which severalcontact pads (not separately assigned numerals in FIG. 2) are formed.The carrier 202 constitutes a “surrounding card” that surrounds andcarries the small IC card blank 204.

In some embodiments, the body of the small IC card 204 may be joined tothe body of the carrier 202 by, and only by, one or more bridges at theperiphery of the body of the small IC card 204. Three such bridges areshown, at 212, 214 and 215, although more bridges or fewer bridges maybe used. The bridges may be formed as locations around the periphery ofthe small IC card 204 at which the scoring or punching has not occurred.

The IC 210 of the small IC card 204 may be electrically conductivelycoupled to the antenna by electrically conductive connections 216, 218which extend across one or more of the bridges. In the illustratedembodiment, electrically conductive connections 216, 218 extend acrossbridges 212, 214, respectively. In some embodiments, the electricallyconductive connections 216, 218 may be at least partially embedded inany bridge(s) across which the electrically conductive connectionsextend across.

In some embodiments, the structure 200 may be made using one or moreportions of one or more methods disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/852,739, entitled “IDENTIFICATION TOKEN AND METHOD OF MAKINGIDENTIFICATION TOKEN”, filed in the name of Simon Phillips on even dateherewith, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

One or more surfaces of the small IC card 204 may carry one or morelogos and/or brands, including for example the brand/logo of a nationalpayment card association such as MasterCard International Incorporated.The brand/logo of the issuer may also be present, as well as, forexample, a specific card product brand. Other features that may bepresent on the small IC card 204 (though such features are not shown)arc an adhesive paper strip to receive the signature of the cardholder,and a security code or the like printed on the adhesive strip.

In accordance with some embodiments, “pre-personalization” may beperformed with respect to the small IC card 204. As is familiar to thosewho are skilled in the art, pre-personalization entails writing into theIC 210, via radio frequency communication (received by the IC 210 viathe antenna 208), certain information such as loading of keys to be usedin subsequent transactions and setting of parameters (such as to selecta particular card brand to be borne by the small IC card 204). Inaddition, information such as a payment card association brand, etc.,may be printed on the small IC card 204 as part of thepre-personalization process. It will be appreciated that the informationstored in the IC 210 and/or printed on the small IC card 204 may be thesame as stored in the IC 210 and/or printed on the small IC cardprocessed in a particular production run.

A “personalization” step may also be performed with respect to the smallIC card 204. In the personalization step, the small IC card 204 iseffectively assigned to a particular payment card account and/or aparticular account holder by writing into the IC 210 (again via radiofrequency communication through the antenna 208) information such as apayment card account number and the name of the account holder. Otherinformation, such as expiration date, may be stored in either of thepre-personalization and personalization steps. Moreover, thepre-personalization and personalization steps may be combined in oneoperation. Such an operation (or operations, if the steps are performedseparately) may be performed by use of an item of conventionalcontactless card programming equipment, such as the model 9000 availablefrom Datacard Group, Minnetonka, Minn.

In accordance with some embodiments, the payment card account numberand/or any other information (or a portion thereof) that was (or is tobe) stored in the IC 210 may be printed on a surface of the small ICcard 204. In accordance with some embodiments, the printing of thepayment card account number on the small IC card 204 may be by use ofthe above-mentioned Datacard 9000 equipment or by another suitabledevice with printing capabilities.

In some embodiments, information printed on the small IC card 204 may bethe same as and/or similar to information printed in one or moreembodiments, disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/852,751,entitled “IMPROVED IDENTIFICATION OF INSTALLABLE CARD”, filed in thename of Simon Phillips on even date herewith, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, use of a small card having dimensions of an“ID0000” card/module, which is smaller than a “ID000” card/module, mayallow the small IC card 204 to be positioned at a location away from avacuum cup and/or other suction devices that may be employed inprogramming equipment, such as the model 9000 available from DatacardGroup, Minnetonka, Minn., which may be used to program the small IC card204. In some embodiments, the small card may have some other dimensionsand/or configuration.

In some embodiments, the small IC card 204 may have dimensions and/or aconfiguration that are the same as and/or similar to the dimensionsand/or the configuration of one or more embodiments of the small IC card204 disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/852,739, entitled“IDENTIFICATION TOKEN AND METHOD OF MAKING IDENTIFICATION TOKEN”, filedin the name of Simon Phillips on even date herewith, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

In accordance with some embodiments, the structure 200 may thereafter beused as a proximity payment device. As further described hereinafter,the small IC card 204 may also be detached from the carrier 202 andinstalled in one or more devices, which may become proximity paymentdevices.

In some embodiments, this may be done by the account holder, after thecarrier 202, with the small IC card 204, is mailed to the accountholder. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the small IC card 204 and thecarrier as the small IC card 204 is being detached therefrom. As seen inFIG. 2, the detaching of the small IC card 204 from the carrier 202 maybe accomplished by snapping the small IC card 204 from the bridges 212,214, 215. This breaks the bridges 212, 214, 215 and detaches the IC 210from the antenna 208 of the carrier 202.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the carrier 202 in its condition after thesmall IC card 204 has been detached from the carrier 202.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the small IC card 204 after it has beendetached from the carrier 202. It will be noted from both of FIGS. 3 and4 that the connections 216, 218 between the IC 210 and the antenna 208have been severed by the act of detaching the small IC card 204 from thecarrier 202. The detaching of the small IC card 204 leaves behind anaperture 312 in the carrier 202. It will be observed from FIG. 4 thatstubs of the connections to the (temporary) antenna 208 may still becoupled to the contact pads 508, 510, respectively.

As stated above, the small IC card 204 may be detached from the carrier202 and installed in a device, which may become a proximity paymentdevice. The device may be, for example, a wristwatch, a wristband, abracelet or a pendant. The device may include an antenna to which the IC210 is coupled by the installation of the small IC card 204 in thedevice. In some embodiments, this may be done by spring-loaded or springcontacts in the device brought into contact with contact pads on the IC210 by the process of installing the small IC card 204 in the device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a proximity payment device 502 inaccordance with some embodiments, prior to installing the small IC card204 therein. Referring to FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments,the proximity payment device 502 may include a body 504. If theproximity payment device 502 is a wristwatch, the body 504 may be thecase of the wristwatch, and other functional components of thewristwatch, such as a movement, a numeric liquid crystal display, awristwatch chip, a battery, etc., may be present but are not shown inthe drawing. The proximity payment device 502 may further include awrist band 505 or the like which may be secured to the body 504. Theproximity payment device 502 need not be a wristwatch but may rather bea wristband or a bracelet, or a pendant, or any other type of device.

The body 504 supports one or more components of the proximity paymentdevice and thus defines a support structure for the proximity paymentdevice. Notably, a structure supports a component of the proximitypayment device if the component is at least (i) partially and/orentirely contained in, mounted on, mounted in, installed on, installedin and/or embedded in the structure and/or (ii) partially and/orentirely contained in, mounted on, mounted in, installed on, installedin and/or embedded in a component that is supported by the structure. Asused herein and in the appended claims, the term “embedded” includesboth completely and partially embedded.

The proximity payment device 502 may also include an antenna 506contained in and/or supported on the body 504. As further describedhereinafter, the antenna 506 may be electrically conductively coupled tothe IC 210 of the small IC card 204. The coupling of the IC 210 to theantenna 506 may be via the contact pads 508, 510.

As shown, the antenna 506 may be in the form of several loops arrangedin and/or supported on the proximity payment device 502. Alternatively,the antenna 506 may be of a different type and/or configuration. Theantenna may be operative generally in accordance with theabove-mentioned PayPass standard to receive interrogation and powersignals (which may be the same signal) from a proximity coupling deviceof a POS terminal and to transmit payment card account numberinformation and/or other information to the proximity coupling device.

The proximity payment device 502 may further include a holder 522 and anelectrical interface 524. The holder 522 may include a seat 526 adaptedto receive the small IC card 204 and to support and/or position thesmall IC card 204 relative to the electrical interface 524, at least inpart. The electrical interface 524 may include first and second contacts528, 530, which may be adapted to contact the contacts 508, 510,respectively, of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204. The contacts 528,530 may also be electrically connect to the antenna 506, to therebyelectrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 of the IC210 of the small IC card 204.

The seat 526 may include a plurality of surfaces 532-540, which may beadapted to abut surfaces of the small IC card 204 to support and/orposition the small IC card 204 in the x and y directions, at least inpart. The seat 526 may further include a surface 542 adapted to supportand/or position the small IC card 204 in the z direction (i.e.,perpendicular to the x and y directions) at least in part.

The contacts 528, 530 may be biased (e.g., in the z direction) so as tohelp insure contact with respective contacts of the IC 210 of the smallIC card 204. In some embodiments, each of the contacts 528, 530 maycomprise a spring contact that includes a contact and a spring integraltherewith to bias the spring contact (e.g., in the z direction).

In some embodiments, the holder 522 and/or the electrical interface 524may be disposed within the body 504 of the proximity payment device 502.In such embodiments, one or more portions of the body 504 may be movableand/or removable to access the holder 522 and/or electrical interface524 of the proximity payment device 502.

The proximity payment device 502 may operate in a conventional manner.For example, the proximity payment device may operate in accordance withthe above-mentioned “PayPass” standard. The proximity payment device 502may be presented to a proximity coupling device (not shown) of a POSterminal (not shown) to accomplish payment for a sales transaction. Theproximity coupling device may transmit an interrogation signal. Theproximity payment device 502 may receive the interrogation signal viathe antenna 506. The received interrogation signal may cause the IC 210to be powered-up. For example, the IC 210 may rectify the receivedinterrogation signal to generate a DC power level. The IC 210 maytransmit a signal to the proximity coupling device in response to theinterrogation signal. The IC 210 may transmit the signal (and possiblyone or more additional signals) to the proximity coupling device via theantenna 506. One or more signals transmitted by the IC 210 may include apayment card account number and/or other information required forinteraction with the proximity coupling device. In some embodiments, theIC 210 may transmit the payment card account number and/or otherinformation via the antenna 506 after a handshake procedure or the likewith the POS terminal. The POS terminal may then interact with a paymentcard system to charge the current sales transaction to the payment cardaccount represented by the payment card account number received from theproximity payment device 502.

In some embodiments, a user may remove the small IC card 204 from theproximity payment device 502. Such small IC card 204 may thereafter be(i) installed into another proximity payment device 502 and/or (ii)replaced by another small IC card 204, the latter of which may beinstalled in the proximity payment device 502.

The structure 200 may be fabricated in any manner.

FIGS. 6A-6D show a method for fabricating the structure 200, inaccordance with some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a first layer 600 may be provided. The first layer600 may be card shaped with major outer surfaces 602, 604 and edges 606,608, 610, 612. A central portion, indicated at 616 and sometimesreferred to herein as an “inlay”, may be disposed on one of the majorouter surfaces 602, 604 of the first layer 600. The central portion 616may include the antenna 208 and the IC 210. A second layer 620 may bedisposed on the central portion. As with the first layer 610, the secondlayer 620 may be card shaped with major outer surfaces 622, 624 andouter edges 616, 618, 620, 622. The outer edges 616, 618, 620, 622 ofthe second layer 620 may be disposed in register with the outer edges606, 608, 610, 612 of the first layer 600.

Referring to FIG. 6B, heat 640 and/or pressure 650 may be applied to thefirst layer 600 and/or the second layer 620. The heat 640 and/orpressure 650 may cause the first layer 600 and the second layer 620 tobecome bonded to one another so as to trap the antenna 208 and the IC210 therebetween. In some embodiments, the first layer 600 and thesecond layer 620 are each formed of plastic or other suitable material.

Referring to FIG. 6C, one or more platens 660, 670 may be employed toprovide such heat 650 (FIG. 6C) and/or pressure 640 (FIG. 6C).

Referring to FIG. 6D, a schematic cross sectional view of one embodimentof the structure 200 taken in a direction 6D-6D of FIG. 2A, one or moreportion of the first layer 600 and/or one or more portion of the secondlayer 620 may be removed, e.g., by punching or scoring indicated at 206(FIG. 2A), to define the inner periphery of the carrier 202 (FIG. 2A),the outer periphery of the small IC card blank 204 (FIG. 2A) and one ormore of the one or more bridges, e.g., bridges 212, 214, 215.

As stated above, in some embodiments, the proximity payment device 502may be a wristwatch, a wristband, a bracelet, a pendant, etc.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a proximity payment device 502 thatcomprises a wristwatch 702, according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the wristwatch 702 may include a body 504 and awristband 505 secured to the body 504. The body may define a case 704,which may enclose the antenna 506, a display 708, a power source (e.g.,a power source 734 (FIG. 7E)), and/or one or more other components(e.g., a movement (not shown), a wristwatch chip (not shown), etc.) ofthe wristwatch 702. The display 708 may indicate time and may comprisean analog display and/or a digital display. An analog display mayinclude a dial (or graduated face) 712 and one or more rotating members(or hands) 714, 716. A digital display may include a numerical display(e.g., a numeric liquid crystal display or numeric LED display).

FIG. 7B is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of the wristwatch702, according to some embodiments, with the case 704 in an open state.Referring to FIG. 7B, in accordance with some embodiments, the case 704may include one or more portions, e.g., a front portion 718 and a backportion 720. The front portion 718 may be substantially transparent toallow the display 708 to be seen therethrough. One or more portions ofthe case 704 may be movable relative to one or more other portions ofthe case 704 to allow access to an internal chamber 721 of thewristwatch 702. For example, one side of the back portion 720 may beretained by a hinge 723 and the other side of the back portion 720 maybe retained by a releasable catch 725, such that upon releasing thereleasable catch, one side the back portion 720 may be free to pivotaway from the rest of the case 704.

The proximity payment device 702 may be adapted to receive one or moresmall IC cards 204. In accordance with some embodiments, the wristwatch702 may be adapted to receive two small IC cards 204A, 204B.

FIG. 7C is a schematic, partially exploded perspective view of a portionof the wristwatch 702, according to some embodiments, with the case 704in an open state and the small IC cards 204A, 204B uninstalled. FIG. 7Dis a schematic plan view of a portion of the wristwatch 702, accordingto some embodiments, with the case removed and the small IC cardsuninstalled.

Referring to FIGS. 7C-7D, in accordance with some embodiments, thewristwatch 702 may include first and second holders 722A, 722B and firstand second electrical interfaces 724A, 724B. The first holder 722A mayinclude a seat 726A adapted to receive a small IC card 204A and tosupport and/or position the small IC card 204A relative to theelectrical interface 724A, at least in part. The first electricalinterface 724A may include first and second contacts 728A, 730A, whichmay be adapted to contact the contacts 508, 510, respectively, of the IC210 of the small IC card 204A. The contacts 728A, 730A may alsoelectrically connect to the antenna 506, to thereby electrically connectthe antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 of the IC 210 of the small ICcard 204A.

The contacts 728A, 730A may be biased (e.g., in the z direction) so asto help insure contact with respective contacts of the IC 210 of thesmall IC card 204A. In some embodiments, each of the contacts 728A, 730Amay comprise a spring contact that includes a contact and a springintegral therewith to bias the spring contact (e.g., in the zdirection). One or more springs 732 may be provided on the back portion720 of the case 704 to bias the small IC card 204A toward the holder722A. In some embodiments, the holder 722A, the electrical interface724A, the seat 726A, and contacts 728A, 730A may be the same as and/orsimilar to the holder 522, the electrical interface 524, the seat 526and contacts 528, 530, respectively, of the proximity payment device 502described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 5.

The second holder 722B may include a seat 726B adapted to receive asmall IC card 204B and to support and/or position the small IC card 204Brelative to the electrical interface 724B, at least in part. The secondelectrical interface 724B may include first and second contacts 728B,730B, which may be adapted to contact the contacts 508, 510,respectively, of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204B. The contacts728B, 730B may also electrically connect to the antenna 506, to therebyelectrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 of the IC210 of the small IC card 204B.

The contacts 728B, 730B may be biased (e.g., in the z direction) so asto help insure contact with respective contacts of the IC 210 of thesmall IC card 204B. In some embodiments, each of the contacts 728B, 730Bmay comprise a spring contact that includes a contact and a springintegral therewith to bias the spring contact (e.g., in the zdirection). One or more springs 732 may be provided on the back portion720 of the case 704 to bias the small IC card 204B toward the holder722B.

Each small IC card 204A, 204B may be secured in its respective holder inany suitable manner, for example, but not limited to, mechanically(e.g., press fit, physical stops, springs). The length, width and/ordepth provided for one small IC card may be the same as or differentfrom the length, width and/or depth provided for one or more other smallIC cards.

In some embodiments, the holder 722B, the electrical interface 724B, theseat 726B, and contacts 728B, 730B may be the same as and/or similar tothe holder 522, the electrical interface 524, the seat 526 and contacts528, 530, respectively, of the proximity payment device 502 describedhereinabove with respect to FIG. 5.

Each portion of proximity payment device 502 may comprise any type ofmaterial(s) and may have any configuration and/or construction. Thus,for example, the case 704 may comprise any type of material(s) and mayhave any configuration and/or construction. In some embodiments, thecase may comprise a metal, ceramic, glass, plastic, fiber, silicon,semiconductor, and/or a combination thereof. Likewise, a holder 522and/or seat 526 may have any configuration (e.g., shape and/or size)including for example, rectangular, cylindrical, elliptical, conical,irregular and/or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, theconfiguration may be based on the configuration of the small IC card tobe received and/or any other consideration(s) or combination thereof.

As stated above, in some embodiments, the proximity payment device 502may further include a power source, e.g., a battery. The IC 210 of oneor more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B may be adapted to be connectedto such power source.

FIG. 7E is a schematic plan view of a portion of a wristwatch 702 inaccordance with some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 7E, in accordancewith some embodiments, the wristwatch 702 may comprise a power source,e.g., a battery, 734. In some embodiments, the IC 210 of one or more ofthe small IC cards 204A, 204B may include contacts adapted to beconnected to and/or receive electrical power from the power source 734.

To that effect, the electrical interface 724A may further include thirdand fourth contacts 738A, 740A, which may be adapted to contact thecontacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204A that are adapted to beconnected to and/or receive electrical power from the power source 734.The contacts 738A, 740A may also electrically connect to the powersource 734, to thereby electrically connect the power source 734 to thecontacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204 that are adapted to beconnected to and/or receive electrical power from the power source 734.The contacts 738A, 740A may be biased (e.g., in the z direction) so asto help insure contact with respective contacts of the IC 210 of thesmall IC card 204A. In some embodiments, each of the contacts 738A, 740Amay comprise a spring contact that includes a contact and a springintegral therewith to bias the spring contact (e.g., in the zdirection).

The electrical interface 724B may further include third and fourthcontacts 738B, 740B, which may be adapted to contact the contacts of theIC 210 of the small IC card 204B that arc adapted to be connected toand/or receive electrical power from the power source 734. The contacts738B, 740B may also electrically connect to the power source 734, tothereby electrically connect the power source 734 to the contacts of theIC 210 of the small IC card 204 that are adapted to be connected toand/or receive electrical power from the power source 734. The contacts738B, 740B may be biased (e.g., in the z direction) so as to help insurecontact with respective contacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card204B. In some embodiments, each of the contacts 738B, 740B may comprisea spring contact that includes a contact and a spring integral therewithto bias the spring contact (e.g., in the z direction).

Access to a source of electrical power may improve one or more operatingcharacteristics of the device. In some embodiments, access to a sourceof electrical power may give the proximity payment device a greaterrange. If the proximity device has a greater range, it may not need tobe positioned as close to the proximity coupling device. In someembodiments, access to a source of electrical power may allow the deviceto perform a greater number of functions and/or may increase theoperating speed of the device.

In some embodiments, the wristwatch 702 and/or other type of proximitypayment device 502 may further include a controller. The IC 210 of oneor more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B may be adapted to be connectedto the controller.

FIG. 7F is a schematic plan view of a portion of a wristwatch 702 thatfurther comprises a controller 735, in accordance with some embodiments.In some embodiments, the IC 210 of one or more of the small IC cards204A, 204B may include contacts adapted to be connected to thecontroller 735.

To that effect, the electrical interface 724A may include fifth andsixth contacts 736A, 737A, which may be adapted to contact the contactsof the IC 210 of the small IC card 204A that are adapted to be connectedto the controller 735. The contacts 736A, 737A may also electricallyconnect to the at least one circuit 735, to thereby electrically connectthe controller 735 to the contacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card204A that are adapted to be connected thereto. The contacts 736A, 737Amay be biased (e.g., in the z direction) so as to help insure contactwith respective contacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204A. Insome embodiments, each of the contacts 736A, 737A may comprise a springcontact that includes a contact and a spring integral therewith to biasthe spring contact (e.g., in the z direction). In some embodiments, thecontroller 735 may comprise one or more control circuits.

The electrical interface 724B may include fifth and sixth contacts 736B,737B, which may be adapted to contact the contacts of the IC 210 of thesmall IC card 204B that are adapted to be connected to the controller735. The contacts 736B, 737B may also electrically connect to the atleast one circuit 735, to thereby electrically connect the controller735 to the contacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204B that areadapted to be connected thereto. The contacts 736B, 737B may be biased(e.g., in the z direction) so as to help insure contact with respectivecontacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204B. In some embodiments,each of the contacts 736B, 737B may comprise a spring contact thatincludes a contact and a spring integral therewith to bias the springcontact (e.g., in the z direction).

In some embodiments, each of small IC cards 204A, 204B may be enabled atall times so as to be capable of being operated at times. Indeed, insome embodiments, each of small IC cards 204A, 204B may be operatedconcurrently. In some other embodiments, each small IC card may beenabled only at selected times. In some embodiments, a wristwatch 702 orother type of proximity payment device 502 may include one or more inputdevices to enable selective operation of one or more of the small ICcards 204A, 204B.

FIG. 8A is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of a wristwatch702 adapted to receive more than one small IC card, according to someembodiments, with the case 704 in an open state.

FIG. 8B is a schematic, partially exploded perspective view of a portionof the wristwatch 702 according to some embodiments, with the case 704in an open state and the small IC cards 204A, 204B uninstalled.

FIG. 8C is a schematic plan view of a portion of the wristwatch 702,according to some embodiments, with the case 704 removed and the smallIC cards 204A, 204B uninstalled.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, in some embodiments, the wristwatch 702 orother type of proximity payment device 502 may include first and secondinput devices 750A, 750B to enable selective operation of one or more ofthe small IC cards 204A, 204B.

The input devices 750A, 750B may or may not be identical to one another.In some embodiments, the input devices 750A, 750B may each comprise apush-button switch or other type of tactile input device. Other types ofinput devices may also be used. The first and second input devices 750A,750B may be disposed on the case 704 or at any other suitablelocation(s)

In some embodiments, the first input device 750A may include a switchconnected in series between the contacts 728A, 730A and the antenna 506.By actuating the first input device 750A, the contacts 728A, 730A may beelectrically connected to the antenna 506 (via the switch of the firstinput device 750A) to thereby electrically connect the antenna 506 tothe contacts 508, 510 of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204A and enableoperation of the small IC card 204A. Thus, the input device 750A mayenable selective operation of the small IC card 204A.

The second input device 750B may include a switch connected in seriesbetween contacts 728B, 730B and the antenna 506. By actuating the secondinput device 750B, the contacts 728B, 730B may be electrically connectedto the antenna 506 (via the switch of the second input device 750B) tothereby electrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 ofthe IC 210 of the small IC card 204B and enable operation of the smallIC card 204B. Thus, the input device 750B may enable selective operationof the small IC card 204B.

In some embodiments, the input devices 750A, 750B may be electricallyconnected to the controller 735 but may not be electrically connectedbetween the electrical interfaces 724A, 724B and the antenna 506. Insome embodiments, a switch electrically connected between the contacts728A, 730A, 728B, 730B and the antenna 506 may be controlled by thecontroller 735.

FIG. 8D is a schematic plan view of a portion of the wristwatch 702,according to some embodiments, with the case 704 removed and the smallIC card 204 uninstalled. Referring to FIG. 8D, in some embodiments, thewristwatch 702 or other type of proximity payment device 502 may includecontroller 735, which may control one or more of the switcheselectrically between the contacts 728A, 730A, 728B, 730B and the antenna506. In some embodiments, the controller 735 may comprise a controlcircuit.

The first input device 750A and the second input device 750B may each beconnected to the controller 735. Actuating the first input device 750Amay cause a signal to be supplied to the controller 735, which may inturn supply a control signal that causes one of the switches to closesuch that the contacts 728A, 730A may be electrically connected to theantenna 506 (via the switch controlled by the controller) to therebyelectrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 of the IC210 of the small IC card 204A and enable operation of the small IC card204A. Thus, the input device 750A may enable selective operation of thesmall IC card 204A. In some embodiments, the controller 735 may supply acontrol signal that causes the switch to open. In some embodiments, thecontroller 735 may supply such control signal after a predetermineddelay.

Actuating the second input device 750B may cause a signal to be suppliedto the controller 735, which may in turn supply a control signal thatcauses one of the switches to close one of the switches such that thecontacts 728B, 730B may be electrically connected to the antenna 506 tothereby electrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 ofthe IC 210 of the small IC card 204B and enable operation of the smallIC card 204B. Thus, the input device 750B may enable selective operationof the small IC card 204B. In some embodiments, the controller 735 maysupply a control signal that causes the switch to open. In someembodiments, the controller 735 may supply such control signal after apredetermined delay.

In some embodiments, the controller 735 may be disposed within thewristwatch 702 or other proximity payment device 502, and if thewristwatch 702 or other proximity payment device 502 includes a battery,may be powered at least in part by such battery.

The controller may or may not control any other components of theproximity payment device.

As used herein, a controller may be any type of controller. For example,a controller may be programmable or non programmable, general purpose orspecial purpose, dedicated or non dedicated, distributed or nondistributed, shared or not shared, and/or any combination thereof. Ifthe controller has two or more distributed portions, the two or moreportions may communicate with one another through a communication link.A controller may include, for example, but is not limited to, hardware,software, firmware, hardwired circuits and/or any combination thereof.

A communication link may be any type of communication link, for example,but not limited to, wired (e.g., conductors, fiber optic cables) orwireless (e.g., acoustic links, electromagnetic links or any combinationthereof including, for example, but not limited to microwave links,satellite links, infrared links), and/or combinations thereof, each ofwhich may be public or private, dedicated and/or shared (e.g., anetwork). A communication link may or may not be a permanentcommunication link. A communication link may support any type ofinformation in any form, for example, but not limited to, analog and/ordigital (e.g., a sequence of binary values, i.e. a bit string) signal(s)in serial and/or in parallel form. The information may or may not bedivided into blocks. If divided into blocks, the amount of informationin a block may be predetermined or determined dynamically, and/or may befixed (e.g., uniform) or variable. A communication link may employ aprotocol or combination of protocols.

In some embodiments, the controller 735 may (i) receive information fromone or more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B and/or (ii) supplyinformation in regard to one or more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B.In some embodiments, one or more portions of the information supplied bythe controller 735 may be supplied to the display. In some embodiments,the information supplied by the controller 735 includes one or moresignals that identifies one or more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B,indicates whether one or more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B isenabled and/or how to enable one or more of the small IC cards 204A,204B. In some embodiments, such information is based at least in part oninformation received from one or more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B.

The display 708 may display information based at least in part on theinformation supplied thereto. Thus in some embodiments, the display maydisplay information that identifies one or more of the small IC cards204A, 204B, indicates whether one or more of the small IC cards 204A,204B is enabled and/or how to enable one or more of the small IC cards204A, 204B.

In some embodiments, the display 708 may define one or more indicators742A-742B. In some embodiments, one such indicator, e.g., indicator742A, displays information regarding one small IC card, e.g., small ICcard 204A, and the other such indicator, e.g., indicator 742B, displaysinformation regarding the other small IC card, e.g., small IC card 204B.In some embodiments, each indicator may provide a visual indication thatmay identify one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204B, indicate howto enable one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204B and/or whether oneor more of the small IC cards 204A-204B is enabled. In some embodiments,a visual indication may comprise a blinking indication. In someembodiments, indicators 742A, 742B may be defined by a discrete lightbulb and/or a discrete light emitting diode (LED) rather than by displaydevice 708.

In some embodiments, the information supplied to and/or by the displaymay define one or more logos and/or brands. In some embodiment, the oneor more logos and/or brands may include (i) a brand and/or logo of anational payment card association such as MasterCard InternationalIncorporated, (ii) a brand and/or logo of an issuer and/or merchantassociated with one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204B and/or (iii)a brand and/or logo of a specific card product. In some embodiments, abrand and/or logo may comprise a mark that is registered in one or morecountry or jurisdiction and/or protected under trademark law in one ormore country or jurisdiction.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the information supplied toand/or by the display may comprise one or more bit map. In someembodiments, a bit map identifies one or more of the small IC cards204A-204B. In some embodiments, a bit map defines one or more logosand/or brands. In some embodiments, a bit map supplied by the controlleris based at least in part on a bit map received from one or more of thesmall IC cards 204A-204B.

In some embodiments, indicators 742A-742B may comprise audio indicatorsand/or vibratory indicators in addition to and/or in lieu of indicatorsthat provide visible indication. An audio indicator may provide anaudible indication and/or a beeping audible indication. A vibratoryindicator may provide a vibratory indication. In some embodiments, theindication may identify one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204B,indicate how to enable one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204Band/or whether one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204B is enabled.

In some embodiments, one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204D may beenabled and/or disabled in accordance with one or more methods disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/852,763, entitled “ENABLINGIDENTIFICATION TOKEN FOR A TIMED PERIOD”, filed in the name of SimonPhillips on even date herewith, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, one or more of the devices and/or switches may bethe same as and/or similar to one or more device and or switch disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/852,763, entitled “ENABLINGIDENTIFICATION TOKEN FOR A TIMED PERIOD”, filed in the name of SimonPhillips on even date herewith, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, the controller may include one or more circuit thatis the same as and/or similar to one or more circuit disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/852,763, entitled “ENABLINGIDENTIFICATION TOKEN FOR A TIMED PERIOD”, filed in the name of SimonPhillips on even date herewith, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

Some embodiments may use one or more of the techniques disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/852,804, entitled “METHOD FOR USE INASSOCIATION WITH IDENTIFICATION TOKEN AND APPARATUS INCLUDINGIDENTIFICATION TOKEN”, filed in the name of Simon Phillips et al. oneven date herewith, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

In some embodiments, a switch may be connected in series between thecontacts 508, 510 of the small IC card 204A and the contacts of thefirst electrical interface 724A instead of between the contacts 728A,730A of the first electrical interface 724A and the antenna 506. In someembodiments, the switch may be actuated by the first input device 750A.For example, the switch may be part of the first input device 750A. Thecontacts 728A, 730A of the first electrical interface 724A may beelectrically connect to the antenna 506. By actuating the first inputdevice 750A, the contacts 728A, 730A may be electrically connected tothe contacts 508, 510 of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204A (via theswitch), to thereby electrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts508, 510 of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204A and enable operation ofthe small IC card 204A.

Similarly, a switch may be connected in series between the contacts 508,510 of the small IC card 204B and the contacts of the second electricalinterface 724B instead of between the contacts 728B, 730B of the secondelectrical interface 724B and the antenna 506. In some embodiments, theswitch may be actuated by the second input device 750B. For example, theswitch may be part of the second input device 750B. The contacts 728B,730B of the second electrical interface 724B may be electrically connectto the antenna 506. By actuating the second input device 750B, thecontacts 728B, 730B may be electrically connected to the contacts 508,510 of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204B (via the switch), to therebyelectrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 of the IC210 of the small IC card 204B and enable operation of the small IC card204B.

In some embodiments, one or more of the switches that may be connectedin series between the contacts 508, 510 of the small IC card and theassociated electrical interface 724 may be controlled by a controller,e.g., controller 735, instead of input devices 750A, 750B. In suchembodiments, the first input device 750A and/or the second input device750B may be connected to the controller, e.g., controller 735. Actuatingthe first input device 750A may cause the controller to close one of theswitches such that the contacts 728A, 730A may be electrically connectedto the contacts 508, 510 of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204A (viathe switch controlled by the controller), to thereby electricallyconnect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 of the IC 210 of thesmall IC card 204A and enable operation of the small IC card 204A.Actuating the second input device 750B may cause the controller to closeanother one of the switches such that the contacts 728B, 730B may beelectrically connected to the contacts 508, 510 of the IC 210 of thesmall IC card 204B (via the switch controlled by the controller), tothereby electrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 ofthe IC 210 of the small IC card 204B and enable operation of the smallIC card 204B. In some embodiments, the controller may be disposed withinthe device 502, and if the device 502 includes a battery, may be poweredat least in part by such battery.

In some embodiments, one more springs 764A, 764B may bias the one ormore small IC cards 204A, 204B away from the respective electricalinterface 724A, 724B, such that the one or more small IC cards 204A,204B do not contact the respective electrical interface 724A, 724Bunless the one or more small IC cards 204A, 204B are depressed, directlyand/or indirectly.

Referring to FIGS. 8E-8F, in some embodiments, the case 704 may defineone or more openings 760A, 760B and/or movable portions 762A, 762B,which may be disposed in register with one or more of the small IC cards204A, 204B, to allow one or more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B to bedepressed, directly and/or indirectly.

In some embodiments, printed information includes an indication of alocation of a switch or other type of input device. Thus the indicationmay indicate to the cardholder (the user) where the user should presswith his/her finger to actuate a switch. In some embodiments, theindication may be provided on the body of the proximity payment device.If the body defines a case the indication may be provided on such case.If the proximity payment device includes a display, the indication maybe provided on the display. In some embodiments, the indication may beprovided on the small IC card 204. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe cards may include information thereon and a back portion of the caseand/or another portion of the case may be transparent and/or open toallow the information to be read.

In some embodiments, one or more of the small IC cards may include anantenna.

The proximity payment device may have any number of holders andelectrical interfaces to receive any number of small IC cards. Thus, insome embodiments, the proximity payment device 502 may have more thantwo holders and more than two electrical interfaces to receive more thantwo small IC cards.

If the proximity payment device has more than one holder, such holdersmay be fabricated separate from one another, integral with one anotherand/or any combination thereof. Each of the holders may be coupled toone, some or all of the other holders, as shown, or completely isolatedfrom the other holders.

If the proximity payment device has more than one seat, such seats maybe spaced apart from one another in one or more directions. In someembodiments, seats may be disposed in a linear array and spaced apartfrom one another in the x direction (and/or y direction). In some otherembodiments, the seats may be disposed in a two dimensional array havinga plurality of rows and/or columns. Thus, one or more of the seats maybe spaced apart from one or more other scats in the x direction and/or ydirection. In some embodiments, the seats may be disposed in a stack soas to be spaced apart from one another in the z direction. In someembodiments, the stack may define a linear array in the z direction.

As stated above, in some embodiments, the proximity payment device 502may be a wristband, a bracelet, a pendant, etc.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a proximity payment device 502 thatcomprises a wristband 902, according to some embodiments. Referring toFIG. 9, the wristband 902 may include a housing 504, which may define acase 904 of the wristband 902. The wristband 902 may further include aband 505 and/or one or more other components (not shown). The band 505may be secured to the case 904. The case 904 may include one or moreportions, e.g., a front portion 918 and a back portion 920. One or moreportions of the case 904 may be movable relative to one or more otherportions of the case 904 to allow access to an internal chamber of thewristband 902

In some embodiments, the wristband 902 may further comprise additionalcomponents that are the same as and/or similar to components of one ormore embodiments of the proximity payment device 502 described herein,such that the wristband 902 may operate in a manner that is the same asand/or similar to the manner of operation of one or more embodiments ofthe proximity payment device 502 described herein.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a proximity payment device 502 thatcomprises a pendant 1002, according to some embodiments. Referring toFIG. 10, the pendant 1002 may include a housing 504, which may define acase 1004 of the pendant 1002. The pendant 1002 may further include aband 505 and/or one or more other components (not shown). The band 505may be secured to the case 1004. The case 1004 may include one or moreportions, e.g., a front portion 1018 and a back portion 1020. One ormore portions of the case 1004 may be movable relative to one or moreother portions of the case 1004 to allow access to an internal chamberof the pendant 1002

In some embodiments, the pendant 1002 may further comprise additionalcomponents that are the same as and/or similar to components of one ormore embodiments of the proximity payment device 502 described herein,such that the pendant 1002 may operate in a manner that is the same asand/or similar to the manner of operation of one or more embodiments ofthe proximity payment device 502 described herein.

In some embodiments, the device 502 may not have, and/or may not be usedwith, a wristband, a neckband, and/or any other type of band.

As stated above, in some embodiments, the small IC card 204 may havedimensions and/or a configuration that are the same as and/or similar tothe dimensions and/or the configuration of one or more embodiments ofthe small IC card 204 disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/852,739, entitled “IDENTIFICATION TOKEN AND METHOD OF MAKINGIDENTIFICATION TOKEN”, filed in the name of Simon Phillips on even dateherewith, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 11A is a plan view of a structure 200 that includes a small IC cardblank and a larger carrier for the small IC card blank, in accordancewith some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 11A, in accordance with someembodiments, the structure 200 is similar to the structure 200 describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1-2 except that (i) the small IC card blank204 has a position and a configuration that are different than theposition and the configuration, respectively, of the small IC card blank204 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, (ii) the antenna 208 has a position and aconfiguration that are different than the position and theconfiguration, respectively, of the antenna 208 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2and (iii) bridges 212, 214, 215 have positions and configurations thatare different than the positions and configurations, respectively, ofthe bridges 212, 214, 215, respectively, illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 11A as the smallIC card is being detached from the carrier.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a structure 200 that includes a small IC cardblank and a larger carrier for the small IC card blank, in accordancewith some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 12, in accordance with someembodiments, the structure 200 may be similar to the structure 200described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2 except that (i) the small ICcard blank 204 has a position that is different than the position of thesmall IC card blank 204 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, (ii) the antenna 208has a position and a configuration that are different than the positionand the configuration, respectively, of the antenna 208 illustrated inFIGS. 1-2 and (iii) bridges 212, 214, 215 have positions andconfigurations that are different than the positions and configurations,respectively, of the bridges 212, 214, 215, respectively, illustrated inFIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a proximity payment device 502according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 13A, the proximitypayment device 502 may include a body 504. The body may define a case1304, which may enclose an antenna 506, a battery 1334, a controller1335 and/or one or more other components of the proximity paymentdevice.

The case 1304 may include one or more portions, e.g., a front portion1318 and a back portion 1320. One or more portions of the case 1304 maybe movable relative to one or more other portions of the case 1304 toallow access to an internal chamber 1321 of the proximity payment device502. For example, one side of the back portion 1320 may be retained by ahinge 1323 and the other side of the back portion 1320 may be retainedby a releasable catch 1325, such that upon releasing the releasablecatch, one side of the back portion 1320 may be free to pivot away fromthe rest of the case 1304.

FIG. 13B is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of the proximitypayment device 502, according to some embodiments, with the case 1304 inan open state.

FIG. 13C is a schematic, partially exploded perspective view of aportion of the proximity payment device 502, according to someembodiments, with the case 1304 in an open state and the small IC cards204A-204D uninstalled.

FIG. 13D is an enlarged schematic plan view of a portion of theproximity payment device 502, according to some embodiments, with thecase removed and the small IC cards uninstalled.

Referring to FIGS. 13B-13D, in some embodiments, the proximity paymentdevice 502 may be adapted to receive one or more small IC cards 204. Inthat regard, the proximity payment device 502 may comprise a substrate1344. The substrate 1344 may define four holders 1322A-1322D and fourelectrical interfaces 1324A-1324D adapted to receive four small IC cards204A-204D. In some embodiments, each of the holders 1322A-1322D and eachof the electrical interfaces 1324A-1324D may be the same as and/orsimilar to (i) the holder 522 and the electrical interface 524 of theproximity payment device 502 described hereinabove with respect to FIG.5 and/or (ii) the holders 722A-722B and the electrical interfaces724A-724B of the proximity payment device 502 described hereinabove withrespect to any one or more of FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F.

For example, a second holder 1322B may include a seat 1326B adapted toreceive a small IC card 204B and to support and/or position the small ICcard 204B relative to the electrical interface 1324B, at least in part.The second electrical interface 1324B may include first and secondcontacts 1328B, 1330B, which may be adapted to contact the contacts 508,510, respectively, of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204B. The contacts1328B, 1330B may also electrically connect to the antenna 506, tothereby electrically connect the antenna 506 to the contacts 508, 510 ofthe IC 210 of the small IC card 204B.

The contacts 1328B, 1330B may be biased (e.g., in the z direction) so asto help insure contact with respective contacts of the IC 210 of thesmall IC card 204B. Referring also to FIG. 13E, in some embodiments,each of the contacts 13288, 1330B may comprise a spring contact thatincludes a contact and a spring integral therewith to bias the springcontact (e.g., in the z direction). One or more springs may be providedon one or more portions of the case 1304 to bias the small IC card 204Btoward the holder 722B.

In some embodiments, the holder 1322B, the electrical interface 1324B,the seat 1326B, and contacts 1328B, 1330B may be the same as and/orsimilar to the holder 722, the electrical interface 724, the seat 726and contacts 728, 730, respectively, of the proximity payment device 502described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 5.

Each small IC card 204A-204D may be secured in its respective holder inany suitable manner, for example, but not limited to, mechanically(e.g., press fit, physical stops, springs). The length, width and/ordepth provided for one small IC card may be the same as or differentfrom the length, width and/or depth provided for one or more other smallIC cards.

The substrate 1344 may further define a plurality of electricallyconductive elements 1346 that provide one or more of the electricalconnections described herein.

As stated above, in some embodiments, the proximity payment device 502may further include a power source, e.g., a battery 1334. In someembodiments, the battery may be the same and/or similar to the battery734 of the proximity payment device 502 described hereinabove withrespect to any one or more of FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F. The power source 1334may be disposed on the substrate 1344 and/or at any other suitablelocation.

The IC 210 of one or more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B may beadapted to be connected to such power source. In some embodiments, eachof the electrical interfaces 1324A-1324D may be the same as and/orsimilar to the electrical interfaces 724A-724B, of the proximity paymentdevice 502 described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 7E.

For example, the electrical interface 1324B may further include thirdand fourth contacts 1336B, 1337B, which may be adapted to contact thecontacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204B that are adapted to beconnected to and/or receive electrical power from the power source 1334.The contacts 1336B, 1337B may also electrically connect to the powersource 1334, to thereby electrically connect the power source 1334 tothe contacts of the IC 210 of the small IC card 204B that are adapted tobe connected to and/or receive electrical power from the power source1334. The contacts 1336B, 1337B may be biased (e.g., in the z direction)so as to help insure contact with respective contacts of the IC 210 ofthe small IC card 204B. In some embodiments, each of the contacts 1336B,1337B may comprise a spring contact that includes a contact and a springintegral therewith to bias the spring contact (e.g., in the zdirection).

As stated above, access to a source of electrical power may improve oneor more operating characteristics of the device. In some embodiments,access to a source of electrical power may give the proximity paymentdevice a greater range. If the proximity device has a greater range, itmay not need to be positioned as close to the proximity coupling device.In some embodiments, access to a source of electrical power may allowthe device to perform a greater number of functions and/or may increasethe operating speed of the device.

The proximity payment device 502 may further include a controller. Insome embodiments, the controller may be same and/or similar to thecontroller 735 of the proximity payment device 502 described hereinabovewith respect to any one or more of FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F. The controller1335 may be disposed on the substrate 1344 and/or at any other suitablelocation.

The IC 210 of one or more of the small IC cards 204A, 204B may beadapted to be connected to the controller 1335. In some embodiments,each of the electrical interfaces 1324A-1324D may be the same as and/orsimilar to the electrical interfaces 724A-724B, of the proximity paymentdevice 502 described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 7F.

To that effect, the electrical interface 1324B may include fifth andsixth contacts 1338B, 1340B which may be adapted to contact the contactsof the IC 210 of the small IC card 204B that are adapted to be connectedto the controller 1335. The contacts 1338B, 1340B may also electricallyconnect to the at least one circuit 1335, to thereby electricallyconnect the controller 1335 to the contacts of the IC 210 of the smallIC card 204B that are adapted to be connected thereto. The contacts1338B, 1340B may be biased (e.g., in the z direction) so as to helpinsure contact with respective contacts of the IC 210 of the small ICcard 204B. In some embodiments, each of the contacts 1338B, 1340B maycomprise a spring contact that includes a contact and a spring integraltherewith to bias the spring contact (e.g., in the z direction).

In some embodiments, the controller 1335 may receive and/or may supplyinformation that is the same as and/or similar to the information thatmay be received and/or may be supplied by the controller 735 describedhereinabove with respect to any one or more of FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F.

In some embodiments, proximity payment device 502 may further include adisplay (not shown) that may be the same and/or similar to the display708 of the proximity payment device 502 described hereinabove withrespect to any one or more of FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F. In some embodiments,such display may receive and/or may supply information that is the sameas and/or similar to the information that may be received and/or may besupplied by the display 708 described hereinabove with respect to anyone or more of FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F.

In some embodiments, each of small IC cards 204A-204D may be enabled atall times so as to be capable of being operated at times. Indeed, insome embodiments, each of small IC cards 204A-204D may be operatedconcurrently. In some other embodiments, each small IC card 204A-204Dmay be enabled only at selected times.

In that regard, in some embodiments, the proximity payment device 502may include tactile input devices 750A-750D to enable selectiveoperation of one or more of the small IC cards 204A-240D. For example, afirst tactile input device 1350A may enable selective operation of thefirst small IC card 204A. A second tactile input device 1350B may enableselective operation of the second small IC card 204B. A third tactileinput device 1350C may enable selective operation of the third small ICcard 204C. A fourth tactile input device 1350D may enable selectiveoperation of the second small IC card 204D. The tactile input devices1350A-1350D may be disposed on the substrate or at any other suitablelocation(s).

In some embodiments, actuating the first tactile device 1350A may causethe controller 1335 to supply a signal to close a switch to connect thefirst small IC card 204A to the antenna 506 and/or to close a switch toconnect the first small IC card 204A to the power source 1334. And soon. In some embodiments, one or more of the switches controlled by thecontroller 1335 may be disposed in the controller 1335.

In some other embodiments, the tactile input devices 1350A-1350D may beelectrically connected in series between the controller 1335 and smallIC cards 204A-204D, respectively.

In some embodiments, the tactile input devices 1350A-1350D may comprisepush on/push off type switches and/or momentary type switches. Examplesof such types of switches include but are not limited to KMX seriesmicrominiature tactile switches, ED DOME tactile switches and/or EDMDOME tactile switches produced by ITT Corporation.

In some embodiments, tactile input devices 1350A-1350D may comprise filmtype tactile switches. A film switch may include a first portion 1346and a second portion 1347. The first portion 1346 of the film switch maybe disposed on the first portion of the case 1304. The second portion1347 of the film switch may be disposed on the substrate 1344. The firstportion may define a conductive pad. The second portion may define twoconcentric conductors. In some embodiments, the tactile input devices1350A-1350D may be electrically connected in series between thecontroller 1335 and the small IC cards 204A-204B. If a tactile inputdevice is electrically connected in series between the controller 1335and a small IC card, one of the concentric conductors may beelectrically connected to an electrically conductive element 1345 thatis electrically connected to electric interface 1324 for the small ICcard. The other concentric conductor may be electrically connected to anelectrically conductive element 1345 that is electrically connected tothe controller 1335.

Other types of tactile input devices and/or other configurationsemploying the tactile input devices may also be used. The tactile inputdevices 1350A, 1350B may or may not be identical to one another.

In some embodiments, the case 1304 may define one or more openingsand/or movable portions 1390A-1390D, which may be disposed in registerwith one or more of the tactile input devices 1350A-1350D, to allow oneor more of the tactile input devices 1350A-1350D to be depressed,directly and/or indirectly.

In some embodiments, one or more indications may be provided on movableportions 1390A-1390D to indicate and inform a user where the user shouldpress with his/her finger to actuate a switch.

In some embodiments, one more springs may bias the one or more small ICcards 204A-204D away from the respective electrical interface1324A-1324D, such that the one or more small IC cards 204A-204D do notcontact the respective electrical interface 1324A-1324D unless the oneor more small IC cards 204A-204D are depressed, directly and/orindirectly.

In some embodiments, printed information includes an indication of alocation of a switch or other type of input device. Thus the indicationmay indicate to the cardholder (the user) where the user should presswith his/her finger to actuate a switch. In some embodiments, theindication may be provided on the body of the proximity payment device.If the body defines a case the indication may be provided on such case.If the proximity payment device includes a display, the indication maybe provided on the display. In some embodiments, the indication may beprovided on the small IC card 204. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe cards may include information thereon and a back portion of the caseand/or another portion of the case may be transparent and/or open toallow the information to be read.

In some embodiment, the device 502 may include one or more indicators1348A-1348D. In some embodiments, the indicators 1348A-1348D mayindicate whether one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204D,respectively, is enabled. In that regard a first indicator 1348A mayindicate whether a first small IC card 204A is enabled. A secondindicator 1348B may indicate whether a second small IC card 204B isenabled. A third indicator 1348C may indicate whether a third small ICcard 204C is enabled. A fourth indicator 1348D may indicate whether afourth small IC card 204D is enabled.

In some embodiments, each of the indicators 1348A-1348D provides avisible indication. In some embodiments, a visible indication maycomprise a blinking indication. In some embodiments, the indication mayindicate whether one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204D is enabled.In some embodiments, the indicators 1348A-1348D may comprise a lightbulb, a light emitting diode (LED) and/or any other suitable device.

In some embodiments, the indicators 1348A-1348D may be electricallyconnected in series between the controller 1335 and the small IC cards204A-204D, respectively. Other configurations may also be employed.

In some embodiments, each small IC card of the small IC cards 204A-204Dmay be disposed (i) in register with and/or adjacent to the tactileinput device associated with such small IC card and/or (ii) in registerwith and/or adjacent to the indicator associated with such small ICcard.

In some embodiments, the case 1304 may define one or more openingsand/or sufficiently transparent portions 1392A-1392D, which may bedisposed in register with one or more of the indicators 1348A-1348D, toallow the indicators 1348A-1348D to be seen therethrough.

In some embodiments, indicators 1348A-1348D may comprise audioindicators and/or vibratory indicators in addition to and/or in lieu ofindicators that provides a visible indication. An audio indicator mayprovide an audible indication and/or a beeping audible indication. Avibratory indicator may provide a vibratory indication.

In some embodiments, one or more indications may be provided on the case304 and/or the indicators 1348A-1348D to indicate which small IC card isassociated with an indicator.

In some embodiments, the case 1304 may define one or more openingsand/or sufficiently transparent portions 1398A-1398D, which may bedisposed in register with one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204D toallow the small IC cards 204A-204D to be seen therethrough.

In some embodiments, one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204D mayhave information on a surface thereof to identify the small IC card204A-204D.

In some embodiments, the case 1304 may define one or more openingsand/or sufficiently transparent portions 1398A-1398D, which may bedisposed in register with one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204D toallow the small IC cards 204A-204D and/or information thereon to be seentherethrough.

In some embodiments, the ability to see the small IC cards 204A-204Dand/or information thereon may inform the user which of the tactileinput devices 1350A-1350D should be actuated to enable a particular oneof the small IC cards 204A-204D. In some embodiments, the ability to seethe small IC cards 204A-204D and/or information thereon may inform theuser which of the one of the small IC cards 204A-204D is enabled.

In some embodiments, one or more of the small IC cards 204A-204D mayinclude an antenna.

In some embodiments, the contact pads of the small IC card 204 maydefine a contact interface that is the same as and/or similar to aconventional smart card that includes a contact interface.

In some embodiments, the contact interface comprises a contact interfacein accordance with (i) a T=1 protocol (sometimes referred to as a TOprotocol or TO standard) defined by the ISO/IEC standard 7816-4,promulgated by the International Standardization Organization and otherbodies and/or (ii) a T=0 protocol (sometimes referred to as a T1protocol or T1 standard) defined by the ISO/IEC standard 7816-4,promulgated by the International Standardization Organization and otherbodies.

Each portion of proximity payment device 502 may comprise any type ofmaterial(s) and may have any configuration and/or construction. Thus,for example, the case 1304 may comprise any type of material(s) and mayhave any configuration and/or construction. In some embodiments, thecase may comprise a metal, ceramic, glass, plastic, fiber, silicon,semiconductor, and/or a combination thereof. Likewise, a holder 1322and/or seat 1326 may have any configuration (e.g., shape and/or size)including for example, rectangular, cylindrical, elliptical, conical,irregular and/or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, theconfiguration may be based on the configuration of the small IC card tobe received and/or any other consideration(s) or combination thereof.

The proximity payment device may have any number of holders andelectrical interfaces to receive any number of small IC cards. Thus, insome embodiments, the proximity payment device 502 may have more thantwo holders and more than two electrical interfaces to receive more thantwo small IC cards.

If the proximity payment device has more than one holder, such holdersmay be fabricated separate from one another, integral with one anotherand/or any combination thereof. Each of the holders may be coupled toone, some or all of the other holders, as shown, or completely isolatedfrom the other holders.

If the proximity payment device has more than one seat, such seats maybe spaced apart from one another in one or more directions. In someembodiments, seats may be disposed in a linear array and spaced apartfrom one another in the x direction (and/or y direction). In some otherembodiments, the seats may be disposed in a two dimensional array havinga plurality of rows and/or columns. Thus, one or more of the seats maybe spaced apart from one or more other seats in the x direction and/or ydirection. In some embodiments, the seats may be disposed in a stack soas to be spaced apart from one another in the z direction. In someembodiments, the stack may define a linear array in the z direction.

Although back portions 720, 920 and 1020 are not shown as beingtransparent, in some embodiments, any or all of such back portions 720,920 and 1020 may be transparent.

Although information is not shown printed on some small IC cards 204 insome embodiments any or all of such small IC cards 204 may haveinformation printed thereon.

In some embodiments one or more of the circuits of the proximity paymentdevice may include an enable line that may be used to enable and/ordisable the proximity payment device. In some embodiments, methods inaddition to and/or in lieu of those described herein may be employed toenable and/or disable the proximity payment device.

One or more of the proximity payment devices may also have a contactinterface like that of a conventional smart card that includes a contactinterface.

As used herein and in the appended claims, “proximity payment device”refers to any device, of any shape, which transmits to a point of saleterminal, by wireless transmission, a payment account number. As usedherein and in the appended claims, a payment account number may benumeric, non numeric and/or a combination thereof.

The principles taught herein have heretofore been described in thecontext of proximity payment devices. Nevertheless, these teachings arealso applicable to any type of identification token. As used herein andin the appended claims the term “identification token” refers to adevice, of any shape, that serves as one or more of a proximity paymentdevice, a transportation related device, an identification device, anRFID-enabled passport and/or a source of any type of informationassociated with a holder of the identification token (and/or the holderof the card installed therein). The term “transportation related device”refers to a card or other device used to pay, or confirm or evidencepayment of, a charge for using a transportation system and/or cards orthe like issued by transportation systems (e.g., mass transit systems)for access to the transportation systems. The term “RFID-enabledpassport” refers to an internationally recognized travel document thatincludes an IC and an antenna and communicates with a terminal by awireless communication technique. The term “information” may include butis not limited to a name, a social security number, an account number,an expiration date, a security code and/or medical information. As usedherein, an account number may be numeric, non numeric and/or acombination thereof.

Notably, the size of the IC card compared to the rest of the structuremay be different than shown. In some embodiments, the IC card may be thesame size as the rest of the structure to which it is attached or evenlarger than the rest of the structure to which it is attached.

As used herein, the term surrounding includes both completelysurrounding and partially surrounding. Thus, a surrounding card may be acompletely surrounding card and/or a partially surrounding card.

Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, information other than apayment card account number (or portion thereof) that was (or is to be)stored in the IC 210 may be printed on a surface of the small IC card204. In some embodiments, the printing may be by use of theabove-mentioned Datacard 9000 equipment or by another suitable devicewith printing capabilities. In some embodiments, the printed informationmay comprise one or more portions of a name, a social security number,an account number, an expiration date, a security code and/or medicalinformation.

If a device comprises more than one identification token, zero, one ormore of such identification tokens may comprise a proximity paymentdevice.

The above description and/or the accompanying drawings are not meant toimply a fixed order or sequence of steps for any process referred toherein; rather any process may be performed in any order that ispracticable, including but not limited to simultaneous performance ofsteps indicated as sequential.

The proximity payment cards described herein may be considered to be asort of contactless smart card. The teachings of this application arethus applicable to contactless smart cards generally, as well as toso-called “dual interface” smart cards, which contain a set of contactson a surface of the card to allow for direct contact interface to aterminal. “Dual interface” smart cards also include an antenna to allowfor interfacing to a terminal by wireless transmission of signals.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withspecific exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations apparent to those skilled in theart can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. An identification token comprising: a first holder to receive a first card having a first integrated circuit, the first integrated circuit having first account number information stored therein; a second holder to receive a second card having a second integrated circuit, the second integrated circuit having second account number information stored therein; an antenna; at least one input device to enable selective operation of the first card and to enable selective operation of the second card; wherein during selective operation of the first card, the first account number information is transmitted via the antenna; and wherein during selective operation of the second card, the second account number information is transmitted via the antenna.
 2. The identification token of claim 1, wherein the first holder removably receives the first card and wherein the second holder removably receives the second card.
 3. The identification token of claim 1, wherein the first account number information comprises first payment account information and the second account number information comprises second payment account information.
 4. The identification token of claim 1, wherein the at least one input device comprises at least one input device to enable a user to selectively enable operation of the first card and to allow the user to selectively enable operation of the second card.
 5. The identification token of claim 1, wherein the at least one input device comprises a user actuatable tactile input device.
 6. The identification token of claim 1, further comprising: a controller to receive a signal from the at least one input device, and in response, to enable operation of the first card or the second card.
 7. The identification token of claim 1, further comprising a controller to receive a signal from the at least one input device, and in response, to control a switch to enable operation of the first card or the second card.
 8. A method comprising: providing a first holder to receive a first card having a first integrated circuit, the first integrated circuit having first account number information stored therein; providing a second holder to receive a second card having a second integrated circuit, the second integrated circuit having second account number information stored therein; and providing at least one input device to enable selective operation of the first card and to enable selective operation of the second card; wherein during selective operation of the first card, the first account number information is transmitted via an antenna; and wherein during selective operation of the second card, the second account number information is transmitted via the antenna. 